Missouri’s Bible Belt helps Republicans win clean sweep

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GREENE COUNTY, MO (KTVI) - What some are calling a stunning election result was no surprise in the most conservative part of Missouri. Republicans in the southwest part of the state not only helped their party earn a clean sweep of all statewide offices, but also helped Donald Trump win the presidency.

“The rural people stood up and spoke,” said Greene County Republican David Jones. He’s been part of campaigns for 40 years and says this one felt different. He said conservative voters in the Springfield area and beyond appeared to be highly motivated.

Danette Proctor agrees with Jones’ assessment. She heads up the Greene County Republican Central Committee. She proudly refers to that part of the state as Bible Belt territory.

“We could see momentum. People were getting together. They weren’t afraid to talk,” said Proctor. “They were coming here into headquarters, making phone calls like crazy to get out the vote.”

“These were people who came in (wearing) jeans and overalls,” said Jones. “They just decided to make a difference and by golly they did.”

“Americans are just kind of fed up,” said Willard. “They’re frustrated with the last 8 years. They want some real change and they believe he’s the one who can deliver it.”

Proctor believes republicans were motivated because they feel the country was headed in a direction involving too much government intervention. She cited the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and business regulations as reasons for some of her concerns.

“It’s just government control,” said Proctor. “America is not for government control.”